Mazen Darwish on Justice, Memory, and the Future of Syria
KARAM SHAAR
January 14, 2026
““We have all found ourselves in the same boat. Either we survive together or we sink together”
““We have all found ourselves in the same boat. Either we survive together or we sink together”
This is the third arrest warrant France has issued against Bashar al-Assad, +963 writes.
The economic and security pressures on this group have worsened over recent months, al-Modon writes.
Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Austria have reportedly drafted a joint memorandum calling for the lifting of restrictions on the Central Bank of Syria and other financial institutions, Enab Baladi says,
For generations, Syrians have believed that holding a government position, no matter how menial ensured social relevance and security, Syria TV says.
The Tadamon neighborhood witnessed numerous massacres committed by regime forces, with one incident documented in a video.
Albares inaugurated Spain’s embassy in the Syrian capital, reopening it after being closed for over a decade
The document, signed by Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Finland, and Denmark, urged the European Union to “immediately commence adjustments to the sanctions regime.”
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Syria has failed to comply with an International Court of Justice (ICJ) order issued a year ago to take measures to prevent acts of torture, Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported on November 16.
The U.S. State Department has recently imposed sanctions on Brigadier General Abdulsalam Fajr Mahmoud, a prominent Syrian Air Force official, as well as on his wife. What do we know about him?
The Netherlands and other European nations are exploring new strategies for voluntary returns, Wafa Alloush writes for Syria TV.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Syria TV said the European Union continues to uphold the “three no’s” policy—rejecting normalization, lifting sanctions, or participating in reconstruction efforts without significant progress in the political process.
Badr Jamous expressing concerns that the conflict in Lebanon could lead to new demographic shifts in Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
The discussions emphasized the systematic use of torture in Syria.
A Dutch official affirmed her country’s support for a political solution and the imperative to fully and rigorously implement UN Resolution 2254, Syria TV reports.
“I have informed the European Commission that we want to regain full control of our asylum policies,” the Dutch Minister for Asylum and Migration stated in recent press remarks.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
According to Reuters, the 27-year-old aimed to “instill fear among the public and attract attention.”
The accused father denied involvement in the crime, while his sons refused to make any statements, Sawt al-Asima writes.
The main challenge facing the new government is not only curbing ongoing waves of migration but also working to re-attract migrants and refugees abroad, Athr Press writes.
Today’s news round on Syria highlights a range of developments that underscore the ongoing complexities in the region. The Israeli Defense Forces intercepted a suspicious
This ruling arose from the case of a Syrian refugee who travelled six times to Assad regime-controlled areas in Syria, Shaam Network reports.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
A 37-year-old former security officer of ISIS, was arrested in January 2023 in the town of Arkel by the Dutch police, according to Syria TV.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English speaking press on Syria.
U.S. forces conducted military exercises, including airdrops and hostage liberation drills, according to Athr Press.
As reported by the correspondent of Syria TV, the Dutch judiciary sentenced Mustafa al-Dahoudi, a former member of the Quds Brigade militia, to a 12-year prison term.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
The Human Rights Watch’s World Report 2024 highlights a series of significant human rights concerns in Syria amidst an ongoing economic crisis.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Charges against the man include allegations of torturing, killing, and raping his fellow countrymen, according to Zaman al-Wasl.
The reasons behind Russia’s decision to remove Shulgin from his post remain unclear, according to al-Souria Net.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Individuals detained for their participation in the revolution will not be released, Syria TV says.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
In a statement, the US embassy in Syria expressed its support for the International Court of Justice’s efforts, according to Baladi News.
The ICJ has decided to cancel the second hearing, originally scheduled for Wednesday, according to Enab Baladi.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Human Rights Watch reported that since 2011, they have extensively documented tens of thousands of arbitrary detentions and instances of torture, according to Baladi News.
Despite global condemnation, the Syrian government has failed to address the use of torture by its agents.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Syria said Canada and the Netherlands have their “own dark history stained with crimes,” according to Syria TV.
To ascertain the identities of the deceased, their remains were sent to the Directorate of Forensic Medicine in Damascus countryside, according to Syria TV.
The Assad regime’s reliance on economic ties with Iran and Russia has impeded its recovery, Hassan Aswad writes in Syria TV.
Your daily-brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Prior to the war, the systematic destruction of Syria’s natural environment had already begun, Mohammad Berro writes in Syria TV.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
Iranian militias assist asylum seekers to cross into SDF-areas where they meet with smugglers, according to al-Modon.
Various difficulties hinder the prosecution of Assad’s executioners in the Netherlands, according to Syria TV.
Activists are urging for the prosecution of the criminal in Germany, according to Orient Net.
The Assistant Foreign Minister of Qatar expressed regret over the fact that the tragedies in Syria have been further compounded by the recent earthquakes, according to Syria TV.
The United Kingdom issued a warning last week cautioning against sending international aid to Syria, according to Syria TV.
The World Health Organization said the chances of finding survivors from the earthquakes in Syria and Turkey are diminishing, according to Syria TV.
Ongoing crises and migration threaten the survival of three of the world’s oldest Christian communities, according to Syria TV.
Doctors Without Borders accused countries with citizens held in al-Hol of failing to take responsibility for protecting them, according to Asharq al-Awsat.
This development appears to be Sweden’s compliance with the conditions of the Turkish regime, according to Athr Press.
Some European countries are now demanding normalization with the Syrian regime, according to Syria TV.
The AANES received on Tuesday a senior delegation chaired by representatives of the Dutch and German governments, according to North Press.
The United Nations Human Rights Council has condemned once more the Syrian regime and called on it to immediately release detainees and forcibly disappeared people in Syria
The AANES has communication channels with almost all countries that have families of ISIS, according to North Press.
The “Caravan of Light” campaign was launched by Syrian refugees in Turkey to migrate towards Europe, according to Athr Press.
Most of the remittances sent to Syria come from the UAE, Iraq, and Turkey, according to Athr Press.
Representative of the Global Coalition said that al-Hol camp is fertile ground for ISIS recruitment, according to Baladi News.
Syrians are leaving both Syria and Turkey to find a safe place to live in Europe, according to Syria TV.
Over the past months, thousands of asylum seekers have arrived in the Netherlands from several countries, according to Shaam Network.
Dutch police arrested a 34-year-old man suspected of committing war crimes as a member of a pro-government militia, according to Asharq al-Awsat.
Iranian forces are replacing Russian soldiers as they withdraw from their positions to fight in Ukraine, according to al-Souria Net.
Tens of civilians killed last month in Syria, Assad phones the Sultan of Oman, and HTS issues amnesty. Catch up on everything that happened over the weekend.
Five Syrians are running for the municipal elections in the Netherlands, according to Syria TV.
Denmark is moving forward with the issue of the repatriation of Syrian refugees, as it deems parts of Syria safe to welcome them back, according to al-Watan.
Syrian activists participated in the UNSC special session, demanding that the Assad regime be held accountable for its war crimes, according to Syria Television.
A Syrian opposition figure said that Interpol granting the regime access to its communications network endangers the lives of millions, Nedaa Post writes.
Large-scale police raids in three German states targeted an Islamic money-laundering network that reportedly funneled millions in ill-gotten gains to Turkey and Syria, according to al-Araby al-Jadeed.
The Secretary-General of the Arab League met a delegation of the Syrian opposition on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session, according to North Press.
The Dutch statistics agency CBS claimed that nearly a third of Syrian refugees present in the Netherlands have obtained dutch citizenship, according to Syria TV.
A 13 years old young Syrian boy, who turned out to be an asylum seeker, was found alone crying in a train station in the Netherlands, according to Zaman al-Wasl.
A Dutch court convicted two Syrian brothers of holding senior roles in the Jabhat al-Nusra extremist group, according to al-Araby al-Jadeed.
The Russian Foreign Ministry called on the Netherlands to present clarification about their support to terrorist organizations in Syria, SANA reports.
Syrian Journalist Sami al-Saeed was sentenced to 9 years in prison by a German court for documenting a murder committed against a Syrian officer, according to al-Etihad Press.
Dutch prosecutors sentenced a Syrian refugee to 23 years in prison after he was found to be a close collaborator of al-Nusra’s leader al-Joulani, according to al-Watan.
Regime bombardments kill children in Syria, repatriation of ISIS families and fighters advances, and protests for the continuation of cross-border aid. Catch up on everything that happened over the weekend.
Anas al-Abdah fears Russia will continue to use humanitarian aid to achieve political goals even after the Rome conference, according to Baladi News.
The SDF continues to use humanitarian concerns to attract funds but uses them for political gains, according to Athr Press.
As 13,000 Syrian refugees in Europe have visited Syria between 2018 and 2021, the status of thousands of others is threatened, according to Al-Modon.
Syria participates in the 109th International Labor Conference, chemical weapons allegations, and transfer of ISIS militants. Catch up on everything that happened over the weekend.
The Dutch Parliament refuses to follow the steps of Denmark and declares Syria unsafe for the return of refugees, Etihad Press, an opposition outlet, reports
The Foreign Minister has applauded the broad participation of Syrians living abroad in the presidential elections, writes SANA.
The Syrian regime will enter into dialogue with the Netherlands over accusations of grave human rights violations, according to Al-Souria Net.
Iran is funding its real estate purchases in Syria with money from illegal smuggling, reports Zaman Al-Wasl.
86 percent of Syrian refugee children said that they would not like to return to their homeland, according to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.
The White Helmets receive a contract to make PPE, flights between Aleppo and Beirut resume, wanted refugee arrested in Greece and more coronavirus cases reported. Catch up on everything that happened over the weekend.
A Syrian refugee in the Netherlands has been arrested and accused of committing war crimes in his home country and being a leader of Ahrar al-Sham.
It has been revealed that the Dutch Prime Minister interfered into an investigation of the Netherland’s involvement in supplying and funding terrorist organisations in Syria writes SANA.
Prosecutions in European courts against individuals who have committed war crimes is giving hope to refugees that justice might be served and their file could be reviewed writes Enab Baladi.
The Foreign and Expatriates Ministry has lambasted the Netherlands for their use of the International Court of Justice, while also funding armed groups writes SANA.
The Ministry of Social Affairs in Lebanon has outlined a plan for the return the Syrian refugees, despite the unsafe conditions in their country.
Coronavirus detected in Idleb, a senior Iranian officer killed, drone attack on the Hemeimeem airbase, Iran reject OPCW resolution and pro-Iranian fighters killed. Catch up on everything that happened over the weekend.
Prominent Syrian activist Mazen Hamada has been the subject of a number of rumours, with some saying that he has settled with the regime reports Al-Modon.
Despite repeated warnings from the US, a large delegation of businessmen from the UAE is attending the Damascus International Fair reports Syria TV.
Brita Haj Hassan has started a hunger strike to protest the crimes of the Assad regime and their Russian and Iranian partners writes Zaman Al Wasl.
Syrian refugees living in the Netherlands are fearing that a new report about the situation in Syria could lead to them being deported, despite concerns for their safety reports Zaman Al Wasl.
Despite having to flee her home country and facing continued hardship, Shaza al-Manla has thrived as a musician and continues to excite audiences writes Zaman Al Wasl.
Visitors from Arab countries have risen sharply in recent months, while tourists from European countries are also starting to explore the country writes Al-Watan.
The film, which will be shown at festivals, explores the war in Syria and the losses that people have suffered reports Zaman Al Wasl.
Following the stripping of suspected IS-member Shamima Begum’s British citizenship, Syrians have called for Bashar al-Assad’s wife Asma’s UK citizenship to be stripped writes Al-Araby al-Jadeed.
Italy is serving as a safe haven for Syrian war criminals, in total disregard of European Union sanctions writes Pro-justice.
Following a vote by member states, the OPCW will now be able to investigate chemical attacks and attribute responsibility reports Hurriya Press.
Saudi funding, the ending of aid, US airstrikes and condemnation at the UN. Catch up on everything that happened over the weekend.
The Syrian National Coalition says that the use of chemical and unconventional weapons by the Assad regime is in complete contradiction to the work of the Conference on Disarmament
Deputy foreign minister meets with Syrian expat committee in the Netherlands, official media reports
Coalition leader calls for assistance in light of the destruction of essential infrastructure in Syria’s opposition-held areas, media office reports
During meeting with high-level Dutch delegation, Coalition president urges EU to take a more active role in the upcoming Geneva talks, opposition media office reports
Activists Anwar Bunni talks to All4Syria about his efforts to prosecute rights violators in Europe, explaining that his recent efforts to file suits in numerous countries is a partial opening of the door to justice in Syria
The special envoys for Syria from the Netherlands, the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Sweden, Denmark and Germany urge for a cease-fire in Aleppo and the access of humanitarian aid
EU parliamentarians appeal for European governments to commence dropping humanitarian aid in hard to reach areas as hostilities between warring parties intensify
Sources reveal Maktabi submits resignation after being refused permission to return to Turkey on several occasions
Russia is engaging in a tacit competition with Iran – especially amid talks about the impending creation of a regional and international “contact group” after America’s ratification of the Iran deal next month
The delegation met with deputy speaker of parliament and Baath Party leaders
SNC calls three-day meeting in response to the UN envoy’s plan, in an attempt “to give notes and ideas, and to put things into the right perspective,” says Coalition secretary-general
Foreign Ministry hits back at 71 countries in response to repeated allegations on the use of barrel bombs against civilians
Berlin conference ends without solution
Coalition’s official website stated that it has not and will never seek to destroy the Syrian state and its political and diplomatic organizations
Nikolaos van Dam is the author of The Struggle for Political Power in Syria and former ambassador of the Netherlands to various Middle Eastern countries
Father Frans, a Jesuit, arrived in Syria in 1966 after spending two years in Lebanon studying Arabic.
FSA’s chief of staff, General Salim Idris, admitted to a “lack of material resources necessary to create a unified body”
Akkad al-Jabal has been creating a lot of admiration and questions on Facebook, but few know who he (or she) is